Did you know that every 13 seconds, the ER admits an elderly patient for a fall injury? Falls are devastating for anyone, especially people living with progressive conditions like osteoporosis. One fall can put someone out of commission and lead to injuries that may never heal.
If you have a loved one who is homebound, make fall prevention your priority. Environmental changes and subtle actions can improve balance. There are several ways you and home health care providers can decrease the fall hazards in your home.
Environmental Factors
There are several ways you can make getting around the house easier for your loved one.
Fall-Proof Your Home
The first step towards decreasing fall risks in the home is minor adjustments around the house. Some ways to fall-proof a home include:
- Removing clutter; creating an accessible pathway throughout the home
- Removing throw rugs
- Tucking electrical cords behind furniture
- Installing LED lightbulbs
- Installing grab bars and handrails near steps, showers, and bathtubs
Invest in Medical Equipment
Your home health aide can help you decide what medical equipment is best for your loved one. Some individuals need equipment like:
- Walkers
- Hip protectors
- Shower and toilet safety belts
- Positioning wedges, and more!
Every case is unique and the team at Angel Home Healthcare Services can give you the advice you need for your loved one’s well-being.
Pay Attention to Footwear
Great shoes can mean all of the difference between safe mobility and a disastrous fall. Although slippers and socks may be tempting around the home, they aren’t enough to help keep an at-risk person balanced.
Quality footwear should have a broad heel for easy balance and non-slip rubber soles for a secure grip while walking around.
Intrinsic Factors
At Angel Home Healthcare Services, we know that balance goes beyond improving your home environment. Here are some of the subtle lifestyle changes you and your loved ones can make to help reduce falls.
Exercise Daily
Even something as simple as a few minutes of yoga or daily monitored physical therapy can keep your loved one’s body toned. Physical activity improves muscle strength and physical balance. As long as your body remains mobile, the risk of falls significantly decreases.
Practice Healthy Eating
While a great diet may not seem like a direct combatant against falls, it actually is! Fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean meats give your body the nutrients it needs for excellent bone strength, healthy muscles, and a healthy weight. All of these qualities help your body maintain its balance throughout the day!
Create a Healthier Household With Angel Home Healthcare Services
Even if you’ve done all you can to help a homebound family member, being a sole provider can wear you down. You need to be at your best when caring for your loved one and it’s okay to ask for some help.
Angel Home Healthcare Services is a home health provider that tailors our services to your unique needs. Whether your loved one needs long-term care or assistance with in-home physical therapy, we can help.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule your consultation with a home health specialist.